David Holmes - 27th July 2018

At last night’s Full Council meeting [Thursday 26 July 2018], elected members considered and approved a viability assessment, submitted by GolDev, to redevelop the existing Woking Football Club site, at Kingfield Road, to deliver a 10,000 seat stadium, associated facilities and additional housing. The proposals also include the acquisition of land at Egley Road to support the relocation of the David Lloyd Leisure Centre and provide further housing.

The viability assessment concludes that a new stadium at Kingfield Road featuring 10,000 seats and the necessary facilities to meet English Football League standards can be built for approximately £10 million.

Subject to planning permission, the proposals will be financed by a new residential development on the Kingfield Road site featuring: 147 studio apartments, 348 one-bed apartments, 497 two-bed apartments; with 20% of the units offered as affordable housing. In addition, 10,000 square foot of commercial retail space and circa 671 parking spaces will also be provided.

The Egley Road site, to be purchased by the Council subject to planning permission, will be developed to relocate the existing David Lloyd Leisure Club and provide new residential accommodation featuring: six one-bed apartments, 24 two-bed apartments, 28 three-bed houses and three four-bed houses.

The purchase cost of the Egley Road site will be returned to the Council by the transfer of properties following the completion of the development.

Last night’s decision satisfies a condition imposed by the Council, at its meeting on 5 April 2018, when it agreed to enter into a development agreement with GolDev to secure a new stadium at Kingfield.

The next stage of the process is for the developer, GolDev, to work up a detailed planning proposal and submit a planning application. The planning merits of the scheme will be determined by the Planning Committee, and were not a matter for the Council to consider at last night’s meeting.

Leader of Woking Borough, Cllr David Bittleston, said: “For commercial reasons, discussions about the proposal by the Executive have previously taken place in private. Given the significance of the project, especially the long-term future of such an important community asset, I felt it was essential that elected members of the Council discussed this proposal in public. I hope this will enable residents to fully engage with us at this early stage and get involved in the debate.”

Wayne Gold, Managing Director of GolDev, said: “I am delighted the Council has approved the viability of our proposal, which secures the club’s long-term ambitions and also provides additional housing for the Borough. My team is looking forward to working with all parties to draft detailed planning proposals for the project.”

Rosemary Johnson, Chairman of Woking FC, said: “The Board of Woking Football Club appreciates the support of the Council in approving this crucial stage. There remain many issues to resolve, not least the planning applications. We look forward to working with supporters, the local community, GolDev, councillors and officers to see the project through to its successful conclusion – the long term security of the football club at its community home, Kingfield.”